Brazil's Lula confirms fourth-term bid as concern over foreign interference looms ahead of election

Brazil's Workers' Party confirmed President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will run for a fourth term in October's election, his seventh presidential contest.

Lula pledged to strengthen Brazil's defense industry, safeguard strategic mineral resources, and protect national sovereignty, stating no foreign power will access these resources without respecting Brazil's sovereignty.

His main challenger, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, has received backing from figures including members of the Trump administration, Argentine President Javier Milei, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Workers' Party leaders expressed concerns over foreign interference, including online disinformation campaigns, bot networks, and attempts to undermine confidence in Brazil's electronic voting system.

Lula's campaign has highlighted income tax reforms for lower-income earners and a debt relief program, while Vice President Geraldo Alckmin defended the electronic voting system as reliable.